A UNIQUE water fountain, which was restored and donated to the Tarbolton community last year by David Ogilvie Engineers, has been stolen.

It is understood that the Glenfield double headed monkey water fountain, which is about three foot tall and bolted to the ground, was taken between 7am on Sunday, April 3 and 3.30pm on Wednesday, April 6.

The pump, which is described as a British racing green colour, with two gold headed monkeys, sat near the new bus stop at Hamilton Brothers Agricultural Business across the road from another fountain with a lions head which has not been touched.

David Ogilvie Engineers have recently completed restoration work to the town in the last year.

A spokesperson for the company said: "The fountain is a hundred years old and had been lying in Ogilvie's back yard for at least 30 years. We forgot all about it for a while. 

"It once was used by the Tarbolton community but health and safety measures mean this is no longer possible so we think of it more as an exhibition piece. It is rare and unique but research on it has led us nowhere.

"Ayrshire is one of the only places where these ornaments are left and I think you would struggle to find 20. Once we had completed work in the town it seemed only right that we gave it back to them.

"We thought Tarbolton deserved it." 

Local police who believe the fountain was targeted by someone specific, are urging witnesses or anyone with any information to get in touch via the non emergency number on 101 or contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111.